support services · if you know your child is misusing alcohol, drugs or tobacco, remember...
TRANSCRIPT
INTRODUCTION
If you know your child or someone you care
about is misusing drugs, you have good reason
to be concerned. You may feel helpless, fearful
and even ashamed, but you CAN do something.
You can try a variety of ways that will make
their drug use less appealing for them. It is
important to note that getting help for someone
is a process, never an event. This means that
you will have to try a variety of techniques over
time, while never giving up. This brochure will
offer ideas and tips for you to begin to help, but
it is most important that you educate yourself
and get help for yourself as well.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWERIf you know your child is misusing alcohol,
drugs or tobacco, remember knowledge is
power. The more information you have about
discussing substance use with your child,
the more comfortable and prepared you will
be. Finding the right time, when you both are
available, to discuss your concerns is the first
step toward a positive discussion. Be ready
for avoidance and denial. Prepare for some
possible questions about your own use.
YOU CAN BETHE DIFFERENCE
A Guide to Teen/Young Adult Substance Abuse
INTERVENTION
SUPPORT SERVICESNew York State Office of Addiction
Services and Supportsoasas.ny.gov | 518-473-3460
CombatAddiction.ny.gov www.Talk2Prevent.ny.gov
The Partnership at Drugfree.org drugfree.org | 855-378-4373
American Council for Drug Education acde.org | 800-378-4435
Families Against Drugs familiesagainstdrugs.net
Al-Anon and Alateenal-anon.org | 757-563-1600
Faces and Voices of Recovery facesandvoicesofrecovery.org
202-737-0690
SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
samhsa.gov/about/csat.aspx 240-276-1660
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
www.samhsa.gov | 877-SAMHSA-7
National Institute on Drug Abuse www.nida.nih.gov/nidahome.html
800-662-HELP
National Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence
www.ncadd.org | 800-NCACALL
The following organizations offer information and resources that can help you and your family.
FOR HELP & INFORMATION OASAS.NY.GOV
CALL: 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) TEXT: HOPENY T0 467369
Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Office of Addiction Services and Supports
OUTLINE FORAN INTERVENTIONSeek professional help. School counselors
and health care professionals can assist
with referrals to trained counselors who are
equipped to properly assess your child’s
alcohol and/or drug use.
Don’t shy away from addressing this. Be
prepared to discuss and take
appropriate action.
EXPRESS CONCERN over a particular incident
and relate this to the chemical use.
BE FACTUAL and specific.
DESCRIBE how you feel.
SET LIMITS and arrange an outcome.
ASK FOR HELP. There are many confidential
resources available for caregivers and mentors
- if you ask!
EXAMPLE:I know you would not have (insert behavior).I am so concerned about you, and I am afraid for what is happening to our family.I have made arrangements for an appointment for you so you can get help.
WIDELY USED DRUGS: Tobacco, alcohol, pre-
scription painkillers, marijuana and inhalants
YOU CAN BETHE DIFFERENCE
STEPS YOU CAN TAKEKeep yourself and your child surrounded by loving support.
SAMPLE CONTRACT
TERMS• No use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco
• No hanging out with users
PRIVILEGES• Anything that is a perk for
the individual
CONSEQUENCES• Loss of privileges
• Seek out professional help.
SIGNATURES• Yours and the individual’s
INTERVENTION
• Talk to your child when he/she is not under the
influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Express concern, not blame.
• Use your knowledge of your child and trust your own
instincts about how to approach the subject.
• Don’t cover up your child’s alcohol and/or drug
seeking behaviors from family members.
• Establish guidelines for behaviors, as well as curfews
and type of friends. Put these into a contract that has
both consequences and privileges.
• Always have your child assume responsibility for
his/her actions.
• Do not let shame or anger prevent you from getting
help from someone who knows about substance use
disorder.
• Make sure you and other caregivers are on the same
page so you can show your child a united front.
• If your child needs treatment, prepare a formal
intervention that would involve significant others and
have treatment as the outcome.
• Keep in mind, treatment is voluntary, and your child
may refuse to go. It is important to have some type of
leverage such as: legal consequences, removal from
extra-curricular activities or placement outside
the home.